Community members are hearing more about Cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora, as cases continue to rise in the United States.
Generally linked to contaminated food or water, Cyclospora usually makes an appearance between May and June. What’s different this year is the quick speed and large numbers at which people are becoming ill."We often see Cyclospora cases traced back to foods like lettuce and berries because they are eaten raw," said Justin Kohl, SSM Health Infection Preventionist. "These foods can become contaminated in the fields and may not be washed well enough before they are eaten."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with state and federal experts, track Cyclosporiasis cases. This year, several large outbreaks have already been investigated, with the official CDC count of reported cases on July 28 at 6,707 individuals throughout the country. CDC is aware of more than 11,500 additional cases that are not laboratory-confirmed.
However, identifying sources of contamination, or even getting an accurate count of those who are affected, is challenging, said Dr. Shephali Wulff, DO, SSM Health’s Chief Quality Officer and an expert in infectious disease. Most people contract Cyclosporiasis by eating or drinking something that is contaminated, and not directly from another person as with a cold or flu.
“Symptoms usually become apparent about a week or two after consuming infected food or drink, which complicates tracing the source. And many infections are not reported, either because a person has no symptoms, or because they choose not to see a doctor and get tested,” Dr. Wulff said. “When an outbreak is threatening or occurs, we actively remind our doctors and other clinicians to be on the lookout for cases, test their patients, and provide the most effective treatments.”
Most of the time, symptoms become apparent about a week or two after eating or drinking something contaminated. The most common symptom is watery diarrhea, but people may also experience:
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Stomach cramps
- Bloating
- Increased gas
- Nausea
- Fatigue
Less common symptoms include:
- Vomiting
- Body aches
- Headache
- Low fever
- Other flu-like symptoms
Without treatment, symptoms can last for several days or even more than a month. Some people may start to feel better and then have symptoms return. Fatigue can continue long after the stomach issues go away.
"Some people recover on their own with plenty of fluids and rest," Kohl said. "However, it is important to contact a healthcare provider if diarrhea lasts more than a few days."
Community members should seek medical care right away if they have a high fever and/or blood in their stool.
“Many bacterial and parasitic infections can be treated with medication when they are diagnosed early,” Kohl said. “It’s a good idea to reach out to your care team for guidance.”
While it is impossible to completely prevent all gastrointestinal and foodborne illnesses, a few simple steps can help lower your risk:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables before eating them.
- Use separate cutting boards for raw meat and fresh produce.
- Always keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.
- Avoid preparing food for others when you are sick.
- Regularly clean and disinfect shared surfaces.
"It doesn't take long for harmful germs to grow on food," Kohl said. "Because the food we eat goes directly into our bodies, small steps can make a big difference in staying healthy and preventing stomach illnesses."
If you are feeling unwell and are concerned about Cyclospora or other illnesses, find an SSM Health Urgent Care location near you.
